Authors Notes: So, this took a wee bit longer than I thought it would. This is the first chapter under my full-time schedule, I had a bit of writers block and I wanted this chapter to be just right. I want to thank all of those who have favorited, left a review or added this story to their alerts. This chapter is really long: 23,000 words plus long. Sorry, once you get into one of those writing moods you just don't want to stop. This chapter has characters that may seem a little out of character, it is a major departure from the original story line and it contains the one thing you all have been waiting for.

Shout-outs: Lyrasloon- Elsa did meet Toothless, but still its a dragon and enough time apart from anything can cause people to forget their courage over such things. Noctus Fury: There were three paintings, one of Arendelle which he gave to Johann to send home, one of Elsa which he gave to Anna and one of Anna/Venn which he gave to Elsa, sorry for the confusion. And sorry but as I wrote before Anna sees Hiccup as a brother, not a lover. As for the maids and ladies, maybe. Vfuertejr: thank you for your comments. Same to you Guest.

I kind of wish there were more reviews and I was afraid that the previous chapter bored you all, so I went all out on this one. Fights, arguments, character deaths and of course love. I want to give a big shout out to RandomReader7, he really helped me out in regards to English Composition and for bouncing ideas off his head for future chapters. So, RR7 I tip my hat to you.

Important Edit: As a result of the most recent reviews bringing to light how they disagree with certain main characters being violent, I must point out that this is chapter has received a high T-rating. Also I should mention that this story in the long run will be more adult oriented including but not limited to violence, adult language, addiction, spousal disagreements and adult politics. This story is not going to have a happy fairy tale ending. Abandon the idea that Hiccup and Elsa are angelic and can do no wrong, they are humans and can be seduced by power and the wrong things. This story will become more and more gritty with each chapter, so be warned if this rubs you the wrong way. If you don't mind all this political talk then please keep reading and reviewing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Disney's: Frozen or DreamWorks: How To Train Your Dragon.


Chapter Thirteen

Proposals and Promotions

Elsa cast her gaze at the portrait of her sister and Venn that Hiccup had drawn for her over two years prior. Her twenty first birthday was only two weeks away and she was hoping Hiccup could drop by for another visit. Her studies were getting more and more complicated and lengthy. Most of her time was being filled by the council of generals, ministers and advisors that were teaching her everything from foreign affairs to current things going on in her future kingdom. They asked her what she would do in possible situations or how she would react if a foreign government levied a tariff against them. Slowly she was becoming the future queen they wanted her to be.

She however just wanted to sleep, read, eat and think about Hiccup. Think about how much easier his life was than hers. Sure he was in line to become Chief of Berk, but it was a tiny land mass compared to Arendelle. With less people, enemies and potential problems. That and he did not have to worry about the possibility of freezing his kingdom. "Perhaps he wo…" she thought, but then a series of rapid knocks made themselves known.

"Princess Elsa, you have a letter from Hiccup Haddock of Berk." A young butler announced through the door.

Getting up from the bed and crossing over the small distance she opened the door to reveal the young man, no older than her. "Your highness, an honor it is to meet you. Here is the letter from Mr. Haddock." He said then handed it to her, after drawing his hand back he bowed and walked down the hallway.

Closing the door, she thought, "hmm, he was rather nice. Perhaps I should reacquaint myself with my staff, I haven't had a nice bath in a while. And it is time that I meet the other handmaidens who will be assisting me on my coronation day." Elsa let out a sigh at the thought of the coming months and what they would hold for her. She looked down at the letter and strode over to her chair to read its contents. She and Hiccup had exchanged letters more and more since her parents died, he even told her that he was writing Anna too. He wanted to keep her spirits up and he also wanted to check on Venn.

Venn had grown from what she saw from her window or was told to her by her instructors when they passed him in a random hallway. She hoped Venn could keep Anna happy just a little while longer, then maybe she could repair her relationship with her sister while thanking Hiccup for his continued love.

Sitting down she unfurled the letter and began to read about all the additions Hiccup had done to the village including an aqueduct system which was able to not only transport water from a recently constructed water tower, but also put out any fires that were accidentally started by the dragons themselves along its path. He included several drawings and sketches of Berk and his new inventions.

"Dear Elsa, I hope you have been well; life has been very good as of late. I have explored distant lands, fended off Daggur and his allies and convinced my father to start several new construction projects for Berk. Do not worry about Daggur, he is not the smartest sword in the forge. Situations may get dicey at times, but I always find a way to defeat him with Toothless' help of course. I still have my head, both hands and one foot; everything is good.

Berk has never been better, our trade with other tribes has been flourishing, the fishing is plentiful and thanks to your shipments of medicine and ice our people are healthy than ever. Astrid for the most part has been leaving me alone except for the occasional hand grab or trying to put her arm around me. She more or less has accepted that you and I are an official couple, to which I am grateful. I took most of my ideas from the books in your libraries, I copied the technologies of the past and tweaked them a little to serve us better. Though not all of them worked out so well, the public bath house was a bad idea. The horrors I saw, there was so much hair; I will never be able to erase those images from my mind. That building was converted into a place to boil water for safe consumption.

Other improvements include multiple hangars for the dragons that are built into the island, we used tunnels that had been dug by Whispering Death's which are a Boulder class dragon who burrow their way under the ground to avoid detection. One of the hangars looks over the docks and the other is right next to the water tower which was converted from a defunct catapult. We even have a wind mill to mash grain with. I must say life is very good now with the additions and a bit easier to move around in with dragons having their own space and sleeping quarters instead of on houses.

Besides all the additions and improvements, I wanted to ask you something very important regarding your birthday. I asked my father and he said 'yes' to my idea, that being you staying here to celebrate your birth. I am even building a place for you to stay in whenever you visit. Your new home will have all the items you have come to expect to be in a house with the added benefits to having a partner who loves to add parts to anything. In essence it is easily upgradeable whenever you want something more. I recently added a limestone pit to the back of my house to store fish in, when one puts ice into the pit followed by fish and then more ice, the food stays fresher longer. We don't have to worry about running low on food during the winter months because of these new pits. I… actually never mind about that, I hope you will consider the idea of spending your birthday with me and everyone else. We all miss you especially the twins and Fishlegs; apparently you made a big impression on them.

Songgletog is in eleven days and I want to see you there, I know asking you to spend Christmas with me is a tall order. I hope you decide soon, since convincing Captain Birger to sail in winter or gathering the supplies together that are needed to undertake a trip will take some time.

I know this is last minute to ask, but I really do hope that you spend some time with me before your coronation in seven months. You will make a fantastic Queen and there is something else I must ask you, but I can only do it in person. And with that I must stop for Trader Johann is about to leave port. I hope to see you soon. Faithfully Yours, Love Hiccup."

Underneath the signature was a crest of Berk. As Elsa reread the last paragraph she wondered what was the question he needed to ask. Slowly the gears in her mind began to churn, "hmm what if he wants me to live there permanently? No, no it can't be that. What if he wants me to pick out my own dragon to have as a gift? Maybe. What is a question that can only be asked in person?" Slowly her eyes widened and a massive blush came to her cheeks. "He wants to ask for my hand in marriage, his father finally told him and he wants to be romantic. Yes, yes that has to be it!" She was beside her herself, she felt so happy wanting to be with him at that very moment.

She almost got up onto the bed to jump on for the sheer joy. It was there that she decided she would go to Berk to celebrate her birthday, all she needed to do was convince Kai and her advisors to let her; she wasn't a queen yet, but she was still a princess.

She waited till dinner to ask one of the butlers to find Kai and Captain Birger and bring them to her.

There was a knock on her door while she was eating her broccoli and steak with a glass of red wine.

"Come in." She called out.

The two men filed into the bedroom with ease where they bowed out of respect and tradition.

"You asked for us your highness?" Kai asked as he recovered from his bow.

Elsa wiped her mouth with napkin, then deposited it on the table besides her plate.

"Yes I did. I received a letter from Hiccup asking me to spend my birthday with him and to also attend Snoggletog which is an annual winter holiday there. I believe it takes the place of Christmas. I intend to send out a letter later today saying that I will accept his invitation. What I need from you two is to prepare a ship for travel as soon as possible. Today is the seventh, and I wish to arrive in Berk by the seventeenth, because Snoggletog is on the eighteenth. That gives you six days to make the trip a reality, not including the four days for travel to Berk." Elsa said then took another sip of her wine, she had started to consume wine when she grew bored of water and tea. She really liked the pinot noir, it was subtle and not as strong as the other red wines, it felt right with her.

Captain Birger stepped forward and bowed a second time, "with respect your highness, a trip this far into the winter season is dangerous, only one of our ships is an icebreaker and she hasn't sailed against ice in years. The ship has really only been used for trade runs to the Southern Isles; and to have her sail into ice sheets we would need to prepare her properly first. Something which takes longer than a week. Perhaps once the ice sheets melt, then we can make a trip in March or April. To go now, would be too dangerous."

Silence hung in the air for a few moments, to say 'no' to a princess was dangerous especially when she next in line to become ruler of their kingdom. He swore to protect Elsa, and he would follow that promise even if it meant denying her something she desperately wanted.

"No." Elsa replied simply.

"I beg your pardon your highness." Birger asked out loud.

She stood up from her seat and advanced two steps, both men took two steps back and bowed again.

"That is not a good enough excuse Captain, we are going and that is an order." The eyes on both men widened and they looked at each other with a side long glance. It was the first time she had ever said no or went against her advisors.

"You both know what Hiccup means to me, he is my everything and I have been stuck in this castle for far too long, I need this and I hope you will make this trip a reality. I…I beg that you have a ship prepared and fit to sail in a week's time. I believe God will allow us to travel the sea without being harassed by ice." She said as she brought us a gloved hand to her chest. "Either that or I will use my powers to will away the ice, I think I can manage that. I hope."

Kai was very proud of Elsa at this moment, he had watched her grow up from day one to become a very kind, if shy woman. He was glad to see that she was serious about her studies and love for Hiccup. Everyone in the castle respected and loved Hiccup, some of the handmaidens and maids fawned over him when they passed him in a hallway or room. Halle was the luckiest of the all since she gave him a bath, he remembered when he had to tell her to stop telling the single ladies so much about the young Viking, it looked bad and encouraged the wrong attitudes toward Hiccup.

He was glad that Princess Elsa had not found out about the way her servants thought for her partner. And if she wanted to see Hiccup this badly, then he would do whatever it took to make her happy. "I can arrange to have the supplies to be ready by the twelfth, do you want Gerda and Doctor Aaron to come with you again your highness?" Kai asked all of a sudden. Prompting a smile from Elsa and a ghost frown from Birger.

"Yes, that would be very acceptable Kai, I wish to have the same people who came last time to come with me this time. Less stressful for the dragons and everyone else. Captain Birger, what is your answer?"

Birger let a breath out through his nose, knowing he had lost. He could say no and risk angering his future queen which was not the best idea especially if he would need something from her in the future regarding his men. But if he said yes and something did occur and she was hurt, then he would be blamed for not protecting her enough. Though, there was the chance that everything could go perfectly and nothing bad would happen, just like last time. He would need to pray extra-long tonight.

"I can have the ship made ready by the thirteenth, and we can set sail the next day, arriving for Snoggletog that morning as long as we have good weather. This would give you three days to relax before your birthday on the twenty first. Is that good enough your highness?" He asked as he clicked his heels together and snapped to attention. "I will also inform your advisors and the council of your decision and make all necessary arrangements regarding your trip."

"Thank you both for your diligence and loyalty, I will not forget this and I will not forget your kindness toward me or Hiccup. Please send in Gerda followed by my hand maidens. I need to discuss some things with them."

"At once Princess Elsa." They both said then bowed and left the room. As Kai closed the door behind him, Gerda came up behind him. "What was all that about?"

"Princess Elsa ordered us to have a ship prepared to sail to Berk in a weeks' time. She also wants you and her personal handmaidens in her room as soon as possible, I believe she needs to tell you something." Kai moved to walk forward but Gerda stopped him. "Ordered? That is quite unlike her, she is usually very timid and reserved."

"I know, I think Hiccups forwardness and confidence is rubbing off on her. Something she will need when she becomes queen in a few months. Now I will see to the procurement of supplies for the trip, excuse me." Kai told Gerda kindly then moved further down the hall.

As Kai walked off, she went around and gathered the handmaidens together. After fifteen minutes they had gathered outside Elsa's door. Knocking twice and announcing herself and the others, she heard a faint "come in" before turning the handle. Elsa was seated at the same table now reading a book and drinking some wine, but the plates and cutlery were gone.

"You asked for us your highness?"

Elsa looked up and placed a marker into the book, then placed it face down onto the table.

"Yes I did, please come in." The handmaidens did and lined up then bowed; after recovering Elsa continued.

"I wish to apologize for not talking to you all as much, there have been many negative occurrences in my life that have changed my view on the world, but as of late they have gotten better. I hope you will all forgive me and actively seek a friendship with me. I will need your companionship in the coming months and your advice in the coming years." Elsa said then bowed her head as an apology.

The hand maidens were surprised; they had never seen a royal apologize for anything. Their respect for this young princess increased tenfold. They had all watched her with withdrawn glances for only Gerda was allowed to take care of her, but now since she was only seven months away from becoming queen the six of them had been picked as her personal hand maidens. For years they had served quietly and diligently, through the happy young years then the silent ones to just recently when she was becoming happy again all because of that young Viking.

Each had different views of their princess from why she never talked to her sister to why she always kept to herself, but they all swore that they would do whatever it took to make the castle livelier and brighter once again. They missed the days of balls, celebrations and even the occasional meeting, anything to bring in foreigners or council members into the now empty palace.

Slowly one by one took a step forward, and bowed. Alexandra, Janne, Karin, Hanna, Lucia and Theresa all accepted their Princess's apology. "We will continue to serve you and the household with loyalty and honor your highness." They all said in unison.

"Thank you all, and now I wish to announce something of most importance." She said as she looked at Gerda.

Rising out of her seat and taking one step forward toward the older woman. "I hereby proclaim you, Gerda Christiansen, to be my lady-in-waiting. I hope you accept this position and will continue to serve me and my family till you see fit." Elsa said then took a step back, and bowed slightly, a smile forming on her face.

The six handmaidens all slapped softly at the news, they all had accepted Gerda as their superior and friend, but now to see it made official was very welcoming.

Gerda made a full bow and upon recovering, "I will accept this position with integrity and promise to serve you and your family many years to come. I thank you for this title, your highness."

"Now that we are done with that" she said softly, "I wish to feel clean; Lucia and Theresa please have a bath prepared. The rest of you can help Gerda with preparations for my upcoming trip."

"At once your highness." They said in unison and went to fulfill their duties.

For the rest of the day she felt happy to bring happiness to others, and to revive old friendships. She just needed to do the exact same thing to Anna when the time came for her to repair her relationship with her sister. But not yet.

A week passed by with amazing speed; she watched out her and the library's windows as the ship was prepared to sail. Hundreds of kilos of oil, food, medicine, and equipment were loaded into the hull of the clipper icebreaker. She had noticed that additional wood and steel was secured to the bow and keel to protect against icebergs and sheets. She was also told that they would leave early morning on the fifteenth and would take three and a half days to get to Berk for a Northerly wind and clear skies was predicted. Perhaps she could aid in their travel by conjuring up a light storm to give them additional speed, only problem was that she had never attempted to practice with her powers except for the occasional snow ball.

Perhaps while in her cabin or on the upper railing she could give it a try, as long as no one was around of course.

Soon enough it was time to go, she had prepared her travel trunk and let Kai know about what she was taking. She had asked Gerda to retrieve a few things in the city for gifts for Hiccup and the others for Snoggletog. A few kilos of fine leather would surely make Hiccup happy among the other things she had gotten for him. Her lady-in-waiting was already outside her room door when she had opened it, ready to make another trip to Berk.

As she crept passed the old clock in the hallway, she looked to its face, it was barely four in the morning. Only a few servants and guards were awake, most were still sleeping in their beds. The platoon of guards that were assigned to protect her were already on the boat or dock waiting for her. She was glad the same men and women were coming from the last trip, it would be much easier on the dragons and Hiccup; he would be happy to know that no one uttered a word of dragons to anyone else when they had gotten back from the first trip. The loyalty of her countrymen astounded her to no end.

She moved slowly passed Anna's room, she stilled for a moment to hear the soft snores of Venn and her sister. She smiled softly and touched the door with her hand, "I love you Anna, one day I will make everything all better, but not yet."

Moving through the barracks she saw men standing at attention and making last minute preparations for the trip, she took a step outside the castle and stopped. Taking a look around she saw that it had rained lightly from previous night, to which the private dock was still wet. Small waves lapped against the hull of the boat and the breeze had the smell of salt, it was relaxing. The sun had yet to come up, but it was not dark.

"Your highness, are you ready?" Gerda asked, bringing her attention back to the present.

Elsa nodded, then took a step forward followed by another and another till she was onboard and in her private cabin in the back. Taking a look around, she saw a single bed under a large window with a chest of drawers to the left with a mirror attached and a table and chair to the right. Her things had already been unpacked and placed in their correct places. A large area rug was beneath her feet and stretched to nearly the entire room. A door to a possible water closet was against the right wall with a storage closet door on the opposite side.

All she needed to do now was wait; something she was a master at. She had learned to drink wine and read lengthy books to make the time go by faster; she had also taken up more activities such as learning new languages or practicing remembering important leader's names followed by their adjutants and family members. Putting her personal things away she laid down on the bed and took a nap till breakfast was delivered. Once she finished her meal and the dishes were taken away she resigned herself to reading.

The day flew by till she was preparing for bed, as she laid against the wall looking out on the calm sea all she could do was think of Hiccup and imagine what he was doing at that moment.

"I hope everything will look amazing when I arrive, it will be my first Snoggletog" she chuckled at the name.

She could still remember when Hiccup had told her about it and how stupid the name was. "I can't wait till we arrive and Hiccup proposes, then he will be mine forever and Astrid won't be able to do anything to break us apart. It will be perfect." She said sleepily before surrendering herself to the soft sheets and pillows.


"Dammit, it's still not perfect!" Hiccup yelled as he threw a hammer out of the structure he was currently working in. He had received a reply letter from Elsa, stating that she would accept his invitation and would be leaving within a week. That was well over a week ago meaning she was due to arrive in three days. He had talked to his father about building Elsa her own home, to which Stoick was very happy with. Hiccup was surprised to say the least; he believed he would have to fight using every tooth and nail he had to get permission.

Stoick had told him to come by later today for he had major news to tell him. It was probably more talks about becoming Chief, something he was still against. He would eventually take on those duties, but he wanted to wait another two or three years. There were still many lands he wanted to map out or dragons to discover.

Besides he needed to tell his father about wanting to ask Elsa for her hand in marriage. It took many tries but he was able to create a simple silver ring, nothing too extravagant, but it got the point across. Plus, the smooth ring wouldn't get caught on her gloves or tear it apart from an addition of a pointy gem. "I believe we are ready to take that next step, she and I will make a formidable couple, one that will change the landscape of our two kingdoms for the better. All we need is…" "Hey Hiccup!" Someone shouted. Hiccup glanced out a window to see Fishlegs approaching.

"Hey Fishlegs, what do you need?" He replied back.

His large friend had gained a few kilos over the years, he even gained a few hairs on his chin. He was still trying to swoon Ruffnut for some reason. The woman would beat him senseless, but the man kept at it.

"Your father wants to talk to you and make it quick we are getting ready for a game of Dragon Racing." Fishlegs said then pointed to his other friends flying by on their respective dragons, and waved at them.

Taking a glance at the sun, it was already high noon. Time sure flew when dreaming about the future.

"Alright Fishlegs, just do me a favor and attach this door to the frame and make sure the lock works."

"Will do Hiccup." He said as he moved to get a grip on the tall door.

"Thanks." Hiccup replied, then moved towards the forge.

Moving down the sloped hill, he made his way through the village waving or giving the occasional nod to his fellow Vikings. If he hadn't discovered that dragons could be tamed, he would still have been that runt of a Viking everyone had called him as he grew up. But now he was a respected warrior that everyone and anyone could depend on. He was happy and still haunted for shooting down Toothless, he gained a friend by permanently wounding him. But now that he too had lost an appendage, he believed they were fated to stay together. Casting a gaze over his shoulder, his dragon friend whom he felt was his own brother was following him with a bored expression. Perhaps he would take Toothless on another flight to that large island he had seen on the horizon a few days ago.

"Hiccup!" He heard his father shout as he was banging on a piece of iron in the forge next to Gobber. People were picking up their orders they had put in days prior, they had yet to put out the wreaths and trees for Snoggletog; but he could see people were happier none the least. He was excited to have Elsa come and spend her birthday with him and with what he had planned, she was not going to forget it. All he needed was to write a little speech and hoped she would accept his proposal. He was ninety-nine percent sure she would say yes, but the other one percent had him entombed in ice from her emotions getting out of control. Hopefully Toothless would be nearby and he could thaw his human brother out.

"Yeah dad, what is it?" Hiccup asked moving into the forge and ducking under some belts.

"There is something important I need to tell ye. I have been putting it off for years and I should have told ye many moons ago, but now I must tell ye the truth." Stoick said as he put his hammer down and stood up straight.

Hiccup moved to lean against some raw leather that had been laid down on a counter some ways away. "I too need to tell you something important."

The two looked at each other for a moment, the only sounds being made came from Gobber at the back of the shop. Silence hung in the air before Stoick finally spoke up. "I remember the last time we were in a situation like this, I wanted to tell ye that I decided to put ye into dragon training and ye were about to say that ye can't kill a dragon. So to avoid another disaster, I will let ye go first."

Hiccup remembered that event quite well, he wondered what would have happened if he had gone first and had even told his father about Toothless. Perhaps Stoick would have believe him about being able to tame a dragon, but that was only wishful thinking. He knew his father would have slayed Toothless and punished him severely for keeping something like that from him. All in all, him going into battle against the Green Death and losing his leg was worth it to prove that humans and dragons could coexist. Besides it was from that event he gained Elsa as a partner and now he was on the threshold of gaining her as a fiancée and future wife.

"Thank you dad. I have done a lot of thinking and planning and I have made a decision. I intend to ask Elsa for her hand in marriage. I know you want me to become Chief first and I will but not now, maybe a few years down the trail after Elsa has become Queen. But for now I want to keep exploring and discovering new dragons and islands. Once that is done, then I will replace you as Chief. Do I have your permission to ask Elsa to be my wife?" Hiccup said in one massive breath as he wondered around the shop, giving the occasional glance toward him.

Stock was elated and proud that his son had gathered up the confidence to plan something like this for Elsa. Arendelle and Berk would finally become powerful allies in the region. All the things in the contract that had been held back until the two would wed could now be implemented. Full trade and partnerships could be realized; livestock and wealth could be shared. Arendelle may not have had a large navy, but they did have a large army and was advanced in medicine and weaponry. His dreams of Berk being protected from bigger and more powerful rivals could now be recognized. He had heard from Johann about a group of islands known as the Southern Isles was starting to act aggressively in expanding their territory northward. He needed to make sure Arendelle would block that kingdoms aspirations before they discovered their dragons. The sooner Hiccup and Elsa marry the better.

But he had to make sure that Hiccup was chief when Elsa would make the announcement about their engagement. It would look better to have Elsa announce that she was marrying a chief instead the son of a chief. Besides he was ready to retire, he really needed a break from everything and was ready to become an advisor at the table of elders. He just needed to ease Hiccup into that role.

"Son, it would be a great honor to marry ye and Elsa when ye are ready. You have my permission to ask Elsa to be yer wife." He said slowly then smiled.

A smile came to Hiccups face, he was so happy to make his son cheerful. The two of them had grown closer over the past five years, he kept his promise to treat his son better and made sure to include him in everything and anything that had come up. Stoick slowly and subtlety trained Hiccup to become his replacement from putting him into leadership roles to having him learn archery, sword fighting and medical treatment. His son had a knack for politics and could negotiate with other Vikings to find a peaceful solution even when they believed there was none.

His son's friends would become his advisors and he saw Fishlegs becoming Hiccups chief advisor, the man had a gift for memorizing entire books with ease. The twins could be his guards, Snotlout his aide and Astrid could be his emissary. Though his son could choose the roles however he wished, he was just putting in his two coins.

"But… but you must become Chief before ye two marry, that is my only stipulation. It will look better when she makes the announcement that ye be a chief instead of a son of a chief. Plus, I am ready to retire and pass the torch onto ye. I am getting older and am prepared to become an elder at the table. You must step up and lead yer fellow Vikings Hiccup." Stoick said as he crossed his arms in front of his chest, not willing to give an inch on the matter.

Silence hung in the air for a moment before Hiccup spoke up.

"No." Hiccup said shaking his head back and forth. "I am not ready to become the chief dad, that is something for you, not me. You were born to lead, I was born to explore and create. I am not ready for the responsibility to lead an entire village; I'm still trying to figure myself out. Let someone else do it. Astrid would be an excellent choice. She can do it and has the capability of doing it." Hiccup said in a rushed tone as he slowly stepped back from his father.

"I am sorry son, but this is not up for negotiation. You will replace me and become Chief of Berk, and if you don't I will not let you marry Elsa." Stoick countered.

Hiccup's mouth dropped open, amazed that his father would go this far. "That is not something that should be held from me, I deserve to be happy. Everyone treated me like a runt for years, even you ignored me and the one person who does love me and who will accept my proposal, you're going to try and prevent just so you can retire. Unbelievable."

Hiccup turned around and marched out of the forge heading straight for Toothless. "Son, stop now!" Stoick called out still in the forge.

Hiccup kept ignoring his father as he strapped himself onto Toothless and the two took off heading away from Berk. The flapping of wings fading into the distance.

"Dammit!" Stoick yelled as he slammed his fists onto the table, causing a crack to form in the wood.

"Yer sure messed up my old friend, but don't worry er will be back. Just give im some time to vent." Gobber voiced as he came out of the back room holding a bundle of leather in his arms. "But personally, yer should not have had that requirement for im to become chief first. Ye know how the boy feels about her and becoming chief. Yer should have talked to Elsa and see if she could talk some sense into the boy." Gobber voiced as he started to stitch two leather pieces together.

Stoick nodded his head and took a seat on a nearby stool. "I just want the boy to have a feel for it, Gods know when he and Elsa marry he will become King of Aren… dammit!" Stoick yelled slamming his fist onto the cracked table once again, the sound of splintering wood filled the air.

"What is wrong now?" Gobber asked worried about his friend and his now severely damaged table.

"I was going to tell him about the contract, but I was so happy to think of what the marriage would bring to Berk, I overlooked to actually tell him about how he doesn't even need to propose since they were arranged at birth. I am such a horrible father." Stoick said feeling deflated.

Gobber moved over to his friend and patted him on the back. "Ye really are."

Stoick looked up and narrowed his eyes at his prosthetic filled friend. "I mean who forgets about something for that long and right when ye are about to tell im ye get so joyous about what the village will gain instead of the happiness yer own son would gain. Ye really need to just let Hiccup have what he wants for once. And he will become chief when he is ready."

Stoick nodded his head, "Yer right."

"I know; I have years of wisdom in these old bones." Gobber then hit his helmet with his good hand.

Standing up Stoick moved toward the open window that looked out upon the village circle, spotting Astrid he yelled at her to come over.

"What is it Chief?" Astrid said as she sprinted over to the forge.

"Find Hiccup and bring him back, I need to tell him something very important regarding Elsa."

Astrid's face scrunched up for a moment at the sound of Elsa's name, but she relaxed her face and nodded her head. "But Chief, the race is about to begin and you two need to get in your positions. Besides I'm going to win this time; me and Stormfly have been training all week."

He could see a throng of his people walking towards the newly built dragon arena.

Stoick hung his head for a moment, he had also forgotten about the Dragon Race. "Maybe I should visit Gothi and see if she can fix my head. I shouldn't be forgetting things this often."

"Your right, I will be there in a moment, but immediately after the race find my son."

"You got it Chief. Stormfly let's go!" She shouted as she ran over to her dragon and took off.

Gobber watched as Stoick walked back up the hill toward his home, most likely going to get his copy of the contract to show Hiccup. He slowly cast his gaze on his now ruined table, "don't worry old girl I can still fix ye." He said then patted the table softly. The sound of wood and lather snapping crackled through the room, a cloud of dust coming up from the now destroyed table.

"Well maybe not." He then took the wood and threw it into the kiln, causing immense heat to fill the forge. "Time to make a new one… after I get the ballista out of the shed." As he heard the sound of the dragon horn marking the beginning of the race. Sounds of wheels grinding and curses as he moved the heavy sheep throwing ballista into the center of the village circle.


"Princess Elsa? Ms. Elsa it is time to wake up. Your breakfast is ready." Gerda called out from the opposite side of the cabin door. She had woken up nearly an hour ago and got a head start on her day. Making a quick breakfast for herself then dressing properly and starting on making a full breakfast for her charge. A slice of ham, a few layers of cheese with jam on the side for her bread. A bowl of oatmeal and a cup of chamomile tea, her favorite. The chef for the ship was very kind and had let her use anything she needed, he had to concentrate on making food for everyone else.

Balancing the food on the tray was simple, she had become a master at it decades ago. She has served the royal family ever since she was a young teenager. Selected from a group of young maids to serve the king and queen directly she made herself known through dedication and hard work. After two decades she was promoted to head housekeeper of the castle, and ten years after that she was put on charge of taking care of Princess Elsa. But just two days ago, she was promoted to Lady-in Waiting for Princess Elsa. "I have gone so far in my life, from a lowly maid to personal assistant for the future queen. My goodness, the years have just flown by." Gerda said to herself waiting to be allowed in.

"Come in Gerda." She heard through the oak door.

Turning the handle down and pushing forward she saw Elsa sitting up in her bad with a folded book laying on her lap.

"How long have you been up your highness?" Gerda asked as she placed the tray on a nearby table.

"Oh, I have been up for about half an hour. Going from a fixed castle to a moving ship needs some getting used to. And please call me Elsa or Ms. Elsa if you feel that you need to stay formal." Elsa said trying to give Gerda a small smile.

After giving a small curtsy, "oh, thank you Ms. Elsa it is an honor to be considered worthy of calling you by your first name."

"Think nothing of it Gerda, you have earned it through your dedication to my family. Now, have we encountered any ice?" Elsa said softly, worried that her powers might fluctuate with her fear of having to turn back for the ice sheets and icebergs would be too large to go through or around.

"There were some small icebergs, but the captain was able to steer around them. The maps that Hiccup and Stoick provide Arendelle every year show the paths of where ice might end up. They also show where rogue Vikings and dragons usually roam. But don't worry about them, this ship is well armed." Gerda voiced as she moved back toward the door.

"Is there anything else you need Ms. Elsa?"

Elsa shook her head. "No, I believe after breakfast I will go up on the quarterdeck and watch the sea for a little while."

"Yes, that does sound nice, it is a lovely day after all." She replied as she closed the door behind her.

She took her time consuming her meats and breads, watching the morning sun ascend from its watery resting place was a beautiful sight to see. The colors alone were enough to create a masterpiece on paper, sadly she knew not how to draw or paint. That was Hiccup's realm of expertise. Setting her empty cup of tea down, she got dressed in a traditional green dress and magenta cape that she could wrap around herself if need be.

Opening up her door she moved passed the closed doors and open decks to the set of stair cases that led up to the quarterdeck. Sailors and the occasional Royal Guardsman bowing or saluting as she walked passed, she just nodded back at them. Gripping her hand around the handrail she moved upward till she was surrounded by seamen as they were maintaining the sails and ship.

"Princess Elsa, how kind of you to join us on such a lovely day." Sailing Master Hedvig told her as she sat down on a seat that was provided for her.

"It is a lovely day. A bit windy though." She replied back as a strong wind whipped around her.

Hedvig nodded his head at this. "Yes, we have a strong wind coming up from the South, quite unusual for this time of year. But because of this wind we may arrive at Berk earlier than expected."

Elsa looked from the ocean to the middle aged Sailing Master, he was a little portly with white hair and a limp on one side. "How early do you think?"

"About half a day. If this wind keeps up, we should arrive by nine or ten o'clock on the morning the day after tomorrow. These maps the Vikings have provided us are very accurate. Apparently being able to see above the clouds can create an amazing map. Not only do they show the locations of dragon nesting grounds but also where rogue Vikings or pirates like to venture. With these maps, trading between our lands will flourish if given the opportunity." Hedvig said with a note of satisfaction at the end.

"What do you think of Berk Mr. Hedvig?" She asked out of the blue.

Mr. Hedvig looked away from the map for a moment and thought for a few seconds.

"It is an island that can become a great thriving kingdom if given the chance. But its current state is much like Arendelle, it is hiding its true potential from the world. With a change in power both these lands can become the greatest the world has ever seen." He said then paused. "Many things will change when you become queen, your highness. I wish to see how you will make Arendelle beautiful again."

Elsa blushed at the high praise, but her powers fluctuated as her fears of not living up to that praise grew. Could she make Arendelle as great as her forefathers did before her?

She hoped so, perhaps with Hiccup and Berk she would be able to.

Princess Elsa, Sailing Master Hedvig, Captain of the Guard Birger and Captain Bernard of the ship watched the day sail by literally then went downstairs for dinner in the dining room. Drinks were passed out and delicious food was consumed. Elsa had learned that she could have fantastic conversations and relationships with people other than just Hiccup and Gerda. Slowly she was opening herself up to more and more people. A few eyebrows did rise when Elsa drank, ate and did everything all with her gloves on. Though no one said or commented on their princess's unusual tendency to go everywhere with those green gloves on.

"Perhaps she hates dirt." Captain Bernard thought as he viewed the princess take a sip of wine. He eyed the table and floor, he saw a little bit of dust, but that was all.

Captain Birger on the other hand knew something was different about Elsa. The King had told him Elsa was unique, but never revealed why or how. He made Birger swear allegiance to Elsa in case something ever happened to Idun or himself. "Whatever it is I will manage." He thought as he drank some more coffee.

Sailing Master had no thoughts for he was too busy trying to make the Princess laugh at one of his jokes. Something he was failing to do.

All the men rose when Elsa announced she was ready for bed and bid her a good night's rest.

Elsa had a wonderful and relaxing nights' rest, one that she allowed herself to prolong when she skipped breakfast. Upon getting up she washed her face in a warm water basin and dressed leisurely in an informal gown and slippers. She read about sea tales and studied Hiccups map, memorizing all the islands and different dragons that were shown on the papers she was provided. After a late lunch she privately practiced forming snow balls in her hand.

"Come on Elsa you can do it." She said in a hushed tone as she tried to hold the mock scepter without freezing it. Every time she believed she was getting an edge over the ice if slowly crept up till the scepter was covered. "Damn." She voiced out as her frustrations grew, it seemed she kept remembering that she would be in front of dozens of her people and diplomats representing many kingdoms. And someone seeing her magic or powers could jeopardize any trade talks or negotiations before they even begun.

"I will practice later. For now, I will just relax. I have plenty of time to try again later."

Going back onto the quarterdeck where she was greeted my Captain Bernard and Sailing Master Hedvig, whom she listened to as they told her stories of sailing to other kingdoms and what the people were like there. She wanted to gain as much knowledge as she could before her coronation in seven months' time.

The invitations were to be sent out in January which would give the kingdoms enough time to respond back and plan on which emissary to send whom would best represent their kingdoms interests in front of the new queen. She could definitely see many dukes, lords and maybe a few princes would arrive in her kingdom. Elsa hoped none of them would ask for her hand in marriage, she really didn't want to start off on the wrong foot by saying no to a king's request to marry his son. She knew they would ask in time and some would be upset to find out she was already engaged by the time of her coronation. The possibility of expanding their trade and kingdoms mattered more than the issue of whether the two even liked one another.

"Enough of this, that isn't for half a year in time. For now, I will enjoy this conversation." Elsa thought as she turned her head back to the two men. This continued on till dinner time where she once again enjoyed herself with good food and conversation. The conversation ranged from the history of Arendelle under her father to what they would do on Berk when they arrived. This continued well into the night, till she yawned and excused herself from the table.

As Elsa laid down on the bed with her books next to her on the table nearby, she let her mind drift to what her wedding would be like. Would she have a ceremony of just the two of them and a few witnesses or would she go grand and invite hundreds and let the whole world know she was in love with a Viking.

"I can't wait for that day." She voiced as she let herself drift into slumber.


The night watch stood about on the decks looking for any ships, dragons or pirates. None were seen. Coffee and stories of former glory were consumed with vigor, anything to stave off the wanting of sleep. The night was clear and the moon was full. They could see a small dot far away and determined that they would arrive early indeed. Perhaps in time for breakfast. Their minds drifted to the possible consumption of yak and ale for breakfast. That would be an interesting morning to say the least.

A few minutes after six tolls were rung on the ships bell, a distant shape was seen on their starboard flying towards Berk. "What in God's name is that?" A midshipman asked out of curiosity.

"A dragon of course, but it seems to be attacking Berk. For it just destroyed one of the large Viking statues that stood as a watch tower. Send word for the Captain." The officer of the watch told one of him men, who was sent running toward the Captain's cabin.

A moment later Captain Bernard and Sailing Master Hedvig were out on the deck in their night wear.

"Where away?" Bernard asked as he was handed a spy glass.

"About three points off the starboard bow. We saw a large dragon destroy one of Berk's Viking statues, it seems the dragon is now accompanied by an armada of other dragons." The lieutenant told the captain as he was looking through the spy glass.

"Sir! Seven points off the starboard bow. There seems to be at least half a dozen warships sailing towards Berk!" A midshipman shouted pointing to the armada sailing slowly towards Berk.

Bernard and Hedvig whirled to the new sighting.

"It seems like an invasion force. Though with how slowly they are going they won't arrive for several hours." Captain Bernard said putting down his telescope and rested his hands on the railing.

"Sir, we should turn back now and go back to Arendelle before we are seen." A second lieutenant said looking a bit scared.

"No, we should stay and fight. We cannot leave our ally to be destroyed. This was the entire reason we came here. Without Hiccup, Princess Elsa will be crushed and any chance at a bright future for our kingdom will be extinguished before it was even lit." Captain Birger said coming onto the bow of the ship with a few of his men staying on the quarterdeck behind him.

"We are outclassed and outmanned. We must ensure the safety of our future queen." The second lieutenant countered.

Birger took a step forward towards the captain, "sir, we have the weapons to at least distract the dragon long enough for Hiccup and his Vikings to make a counterattack."

Nothing was said, both sides of the argument were running through Bernard's head.

"Sir, you must make a decision before it's too late."

Taking a deep breath, Bernard turned around. "May God help us." He thought.

"We shall beat to quarters!" He shouted.


Elsa was having an interesting dream filled with dragons and Vikings, they were fighting one another, in the skies and on the ground. Just then she saw Hiccup being consumed by ice from a massive dragon with tusks. She shot up in bed at that image.

"Where in the world did that come from?" She said to no one. She could hear a loud drumming sound and frantic feet moving around. "What is going on?"

She moved towards the door, clutching her robe closed. Opening the door, she saw sailors and guardsmen running from their quarters up the staircase onto the gangway.

"Actions stations men! Go! Go! Go!" One lieutenant shouted to his fellow sailors.

Elsa could see Captain Birger shouting orders to his men who were still dressing themselves and he was shouting "lively!" again and again.

"Captain Birger what is going on?" She asked.

Birger whirled around on the princess and put on his best smile.

"Nothing Princess Elsa, just a drill. That is all."

Just then the sound of a dragon roaring was heard causing the ship to vibrate slightly.

"Right." Elsa said dryly then closed the door and quickly dressed herself in a simple dress with her slippers, gloves and cape.

A few moments later she walked out of her room and onto the quarterdeck in time to see a massive dragon destroy a chunk of Berk with a spray of thick ice.

"My God." She whispered to herself watching as bit by bit of Berk was destroyed in front of her.

She could faintly see Hiccup and Toothless fly around the dragon again and again looking for a weak spot. She looked at all the destruction and felt her powers grow. "Ice can only destroy; it can't build or save lives." She told herself, fearful of her powers leaking out and causing those around her to be harmed. She tugged her gloves on tighter.

"Prepare the ballista's! Archers into position on the main deck!" Birger shouted orders to his men. The pattering of feet and the clanking of cranes moving the ballistae into position was heard.

"Men spill the winds from our sails, bring us to a stop!" Hedvig ordered his sailors up the main and mizzen mast.

Two tall ballistae were rested on the main deck and pointed out over the starboard side of the ship. Ten archers lined up nearly shoulder to shoulder with their long bows in their hands and arrows laying out in front of them. The long bow was almost the size of a man but could send an arrow hundreds of meters away at a target accurately.

Elsa watched as five men each loaded large heavy bolts onto the resting place of the ballista, two men pulled back a metal arm that cranked the spring back further and further into position.

"Target the back of the dragon, to get his attention! Archers aim for and try to hit the rider!" Birger yelled as he looked at the dragon, and Toothless who was flying directly at the massive beast.

"Target enemy dragon, range three hundred meters! Archers cover your arrow heads in oil. Someone bring a torch!" Birger quickly said dropping a handkerchief to see the wind direction and speed. "Wind is coming in slow from the East! Archers be sure to compensate!"

"Yes Sir!" They yelled back.

An explosion was heard and all eyes were placed on the massive dragon who shied away from the explosion, a man was seen falling off the dragon and hitting the ground. Elsa saw Hiccup glide towards the dragon's tail. Just before he hit the tail, he was caught by Toothless and the two flew down to the ground to confront their enemy. She could barely see Hiccup throw something in front of the man and went to, Elsa guessed was ask him to surrender.

He never got the chance for the dragon behind blew ice out of its mouth which encased Hiccup and Toothless.

Nearly everyone's eyes were glued on Elsa who had shouted "Hiccup!" at the top of her lungs.

"He's gone, the love of my life is dead and I will be alone forever. Hiccup is…is…" She said quietly before she wavered and fell backwards. Gerda who was watching the spectacle, saw Elsa start to fall back and quickly moved to catch her. "Your highness!"

Gerda was able to catch her in time, and moved to have her sit on a nearby bench. "It will be okay, you'll see. Everything will alright." She said to Elsa's unconscious figure. Holding her hands in hers and gently patting her face to see if she could awaken her. Doctor Aaron came walking up the staircase and went over to the fainted princess to see if he could help.

Seeing his future queen faint at being robbed of the one thing that made her truly happy, Birger steeled himself for his next order.

"Archers ignite!" Birger yelled as the archers bent down and held their arrows in the flame long enough for it to catch fire.

"Archers draw!"

The archers pointed their bows toward the heavens and turned slightly into the wind to compensate for the cross wind. "Ready sir." One of the archers yelled.

The enemy dragon pulled air into its lungs and aimed to blast the village and friendly Vikings once again to deliver the final blow.

"Loose!" Birger shouted as one of his men hit the release on the first ballista. The bolt sailed at break neck speed through the air into the back of the dragon burrowing itself deep into its skin, resulting in the dragon to be so surprised that it released its shot into the sky and not onto their allies. The dragon turned around as was rewarded with a bolt to its neck, wrenching a cry from its throat. Blood started to seep out of its neck and down its body. Drago whirled around to see who was attacking his dragon, and almost a dozen flaming arrows rained down onto his position. One came so close it set his beard on fire, he patted at his face to extinguish the flame. Drago ran to his dragon to attack this new enemy, swiping arrows out of the sky with his lance.

"Reload! Reload!" Birger shouted to the men attending the ballista. "Archers don't allow him to recover or give orders, shower him with arrows!"

The long bows released their deadly arrows at the dragon rider, pelting the dragon with fire. All missed the rider, who took shelter behind his dragon's tusks.

Birger started to see other arrows sail through the air into the dragon from Berk, it seemed like the Hooligan tribe was fighting back. His archers arrows were impacting but bouncing off the face of the massive dragon, it seemed only to annoy the beast.

He hit the release again on the ballista which sent a five-foot iron bolt into the chest of the dragon. He could see blood was caked on the dragon's front from the resulting hits. "We won't be able to keep this up forever, sooner or later he will freeze us and that will be the end of it."

A roar ripped through the air drawing everyone's attention, the beast sucked a massive breath into his lungs and moved to destroy the small icebreaker. Birger took a step back in fear of having such an enormous dragon look at him directly. It took a step forward smashing a house to bits, then it opened its mouth to release its deadly ice. "Damn, this is it."


"I haven't been this cold since Elsa froze my shoulders that one time." Hiccup chuckled as he remembered that old memory. He was only able to look around a little bit, but everything was frozen around him. "I wonder how we will get out of this one Toothless? Toothless?" He said nervously as his dragon started to glow blue.

The ice around them started to crack then exploded at the force Toothless released from his roar. Seeing if his master and brother was okay, to which Hiccup nodded in return. Toothless leapt onto an ice beam and roared at the back of the dragon who was about to fire onto a small boat near the dock. Smelling a faint scent in the air, his eyes widened, it was his brother's mate.

This beast was about to kill his brother's mate. He quickly fired a plasma bolt at the back of his enemy's head in anger. He would do anything to protect the ones he cared about.

The enemy dragon released its ice spray nearly onto the boat but missed because of a large explosion impacting its head.

"What the?" Birger shouted turning to see what caused them to be saved. He looked through his spy glass to see Toothless and Hiccup alive. "Their alive! Toothless and Hiccup are alive!"

The men and sailors gave a 'oorah' in joy at being saved and giving the two enough time for a counterstrike. They jumped and raised their closed fists into the air at the victory they had earned.

"Your highness? Ms. Elsa? Hiccup is alive, Toothless too. They are okay, please wake up." Gerda urged the young princess to come back to the land of the conscious.

Elsa slowly opened her eyes at the word 'Hiccup', "What?" She asked.

"He's alive, and unhurt from what we can see." Aaron told her and he gently stood her up and allowed her to lean against the banister.

Her sight was blurry and it took a few seconds to focus correctly on the island. But she saw Toothless release shot after shot at the massive dragon, eventually causing the dragons who were hovering above the battle to fly around and mass above Hiccup and Toothless. "Were they under a spell?" Elsa asked herself.

Hiccup jumped onto Toothless' back and looked to demand his enemy's surrender once again. To which the man said "never!", Elsa faintly heard this as Toothless roared in return. The dragons in the sky began to release a barrage of fire at their new enemy. The immense beast was soon being peppered by hundreds of fire shots.

A loud roar was heard as the great beast drew back and looked to be readying to release a final attack on the pair. Toothless too drew in a long breath and released a powerful bolt at the dragons face, causing it to rear back as its left tusk fell to the ground.

Shock was etched on the immense beasts face as Toothless gave out a final battle roar. Slowly the beast slowly retreated back and dived into the ocean and away from the new alpha.

"Archers stand down. This battle has been won." Birger yelled out as he moved to Captain Bernard.

"Sailors prepare the foremast. We need a little wind to put us into the harbor." Sailing Master Hedvig shouted to his sailors who had been positioned on the deck to provide support for the archers and ballistae crew.

The clamoring of feet and grunts was heard as many men climbed up the mast to prepare the sails.

"Secure the bows, arrows and ballistae in the holds." Captain Bernard ordered. After a few minutes the deck was clear of all weapons.

"Ms. Elsa maybe we should get you down into your cabin for we will be docked soon and you will want to look your best when you meet Hiccup." Gerda said slowly and gave a faint smile at the young woman.

Elsa just nodded and moved silently down the stairs and into her cabin. She was assisted by Gerda into a new teal dress with a sweetheart bodice, a black long-sleeved turtleneck blouse, her magenta cape and the cyan gloves Hiccup had given her.

"Do you want any makeup?"

She thought for a moment. "Just a little."

Moving over from her mirror, Gerda gently caked on some lavender eye shadow and magenta lipstick. "I will do your favorite hairstyle, the French braided crown twist bun."

"Thank you Gerda."

Gerda just smiled and nodded.

A soft knock was heard on the door, "your highness, we are ready for you."

"One moment."

Raising out of her seat and looking in her mirror, she gave herself a smile at how beautiful she looked. "Alright. I'm ready."

Moving out of the cabin, down the hallway, up the stairs and onto the deck, Elsa was rewarded with a view of destruction of Berk. The dock was in shambles, many ships were seen to be sinking and the ramp up the cliff to the village circle was littered with greenish ice. Many houses and buildings were in ruin; ice was either jutting out of homes or completely covered them. "This place will need a lot of work to be normal again." Birger said, voicing the thought of everyone around him. A ship in the distance snapped into two and sank. "Okay, maybe a lot of work."


Hiccup jumped off of Toothless and was met by a mass of his fellow Vikings and dragons. They all cheered at the victory over the Bewilderbeast and Drago Bludvist. Now was the time to celebrate.

"Great job son, your father would have been so proud of you." His mother told him as she took him into her arms and held him. He returned the hug and rested his head on her shoulder. Hiccup watched as the dragons who had been under the old alpha's spell flew down to embrace their masters and friends. He felt a mixture of emotions run through him at that moment ranging from relief to sadness to happiness and finally fatigue. He hadn't slept in over forty hours and it was beginning to catch up with him; he was running on pure adrenaline. He shook his head to shirk off the wanting of sleep and moved out of the embrace of his mother only to be embraced by Toothless.

Hiccup slowly drew his hand over Toothless' face until both of his hands held his dragon's mouth. "You never cease to amaze me bud, thank you." Toothless pushed his head forward till it touched his brothers head. This was a special hug his brother occasionally gave him, only the two of them did this; he didn't do it with anyone else.

Now to really show his thanks for getting out of that evil dragon's spell. Time for kisses.

Toothless knocked Hiccup to the ground and showered him with licks.

Soon Hiccup was covered in his saliva.

"Toothless, you know that doesn't wash out!" Hiccup yelled for the seemingly amusement of everyone around them. Laughter was heard at his expense.

As Toothless moved off of him and allowed him to stand, was he finally able to see the dragons embracing their fellow humans all except for Eret who was standing off to the side. He moved toward him and Skullcrusher.

"You know you would make a good trapper if you ever wanted to be one." Eret said smiling but then got knocked to the side by Skullcrusher who was looking for attention.

"You know Skullcrusher is going to need someone to look after him now." He smiled faintly but inside he was crushed that his father was gone. It was because of Skullcrusher's tracking skills that his father found him at the cove which led to the reunion between him and his mother. At least they spent a little time together.

"Me?" Eret asked completely surprised that he would even be considered.

Hiccup just smiled and nodded, reaffirming the decision to let Eret take care of Skullcrusher.

"I'd be honored." Eret replied and smiled at his new dragon.

Hiccup turned toward his mother who had walked over with Astrid. "I am so glad your back mom, there is so much I need to catch you up on."

"And here is where I will stay. How are you and Elsa doing?" Valka asked as she put her hand on his shoulder.

Hiccups eyes widened at the mentioning of Elsa, and so did Astrid's whom he saw in his peripheral vision.

"Elsa? Oh, Elsa." He said as he broke away from his mother and moved toward the cliff face, weaving through ice and broken houses.

Looking down onto the harbor he spotted her and her entourage. "Elsa is here. I am pretty sure Captain Birger and his guards are responsible for guaranteeing our victory today. It was because of their actions that allowed me and Toothless the time to fight back. We need to receive them and hopefully they won't mind the mess." Hiccup said in a rush as he looked at now his village; his damaged village.

He slowly made his way down to the docks where he saw Elsa following behind Captain Birger, who was making sure the path was clear and safe. He heard several pairs of footsteps and flapping of wings behind him.

Hiccup received them at the beginning of the cliff ramp.

"Hello Captain Birger how are we today?" Hiccup asked chirpily.

Birger smiled back and tipped his hat toward the young Viking. "Oh we had quite the morning, that much is for sure. Instead of breakfast we had a full scale battle complete with aerial combat. "You know you shouldn't worry Princess Elsa; she has been worried sick about you. She…" Birger was about to say but when interrupted by said Princess.

"Thank you Captain, I think I can take over from here." Elsa replied as she moved in front of Captain Birger who fell back into line with the other Guards.

Moving forward so he could see her properly, with only a meter between them he noticed all the little changes that had occurred over the years they had been apart. Her face had a little more color, her hair was longer and her body had grown out more. He blushed absentmindedly as he looked at her face. "I need to get my hormones under control." Hiccup also noticed how forward and controlling she was, "normally she wouldn't have interrupted someone else. She has a lot more confidence now." He thought then smiled at how she was becoming a proper princess.

Elsa too took a good look at Hiccup, he had grown taller and looked more muscular than the seventeen-year-old she had last seen. "Those eyes are so beautiful, it's like looking into a forest and that chin, mercy. Even his hair is fuller and are those braids?" She asked herself, she would have kissed him right there if it weren't for everyone looking at them at that moment.

"You get more and more beautiful every time I see you Elsa, I swear you are a splitting image of Freyja herself." Hiccup whispered so only she could hear, causing her cheeks to heat up.

"You don't look too bad yourself Hiccup, though you will need to stop growing so I will be able to talk to you without trouble." Elsa said as she emphasized the word talk as to mean kiss. Hiccup got the gist, and smiled smugly at her. "No promises." He countered back.

"I wish I could say the same about my village though, that massive dragon made a mess of all the improvements I wanted to show you." Hiccup sighed defeated. Elsa looked up and saw that the dragon had destroyed a few homes and heavily damaged a few others. There was also ice jutting out of the cliff side and covering entire paths, it will take a few days to clear it out. "Maybe I can cause some of it to disappear…no, someone will surely notice and cause a scene. I must wait some more before I reveal my secret." Elsa thought as she flexed her hand a few times.

Hiccup noticed Elsa's hand flex a few times and immediately knew what she was thinking. He smiled at her helpful thinking, she always wants to make him happy even if it gives her more anxiety.

As she was looking around she had noticed all the Vikings silently looking at her, as she scanned the crowd she failed to see Stoick. "Hiccup where is your father? I can't imagine he would miss something like this or at the very least saying hello." Elsa said innocently.

Hiccup felt something stab his heart, he had lost his father less than a day ago and Elsa knew nothing of it.

He smiled a little hoping to not show how tired and saddened he was. "My father fell in battle and will not be joining us. The battle you just saw was part two of a much bigger battle; Stoick saw I was in danger so he pushed me out of the way to save me. Just like Toothless had done for me over four years ago." Hiccup said and gave a reassuring smile.

"He fell in battle? My goodness, I will see to it that he is well taken care of Hiccup you have my word." Elsa said in a rush, taking what Hiccup had said at face value. Turning around she spotted Gerda. "Gerda, have doctor Aaron brought up immediately Sto…" She started to say but Hiccup grabbed her arm to stop her.

"Elsa, you don't understand. Stoick… my father has fallen permanently. He's gone." He whispered the last part so only she could hear.

It was then she had noticed the small line of tears coming out of the corner of his right eye. He had a tearful smile to go along with it.

Her eyes widened at the thought of Stoick being gone. The man was one of the kindest men she had ever met, a little rough around the edges but he only wanted the best for her and Hiccup. He had kept her secret hidden from all, even Hiccup up until she had told him. That was a man, she wished could have been at their wedding.

It took all her self-control not to let her powers leak out, she couldn't even let herself cry, knowing what came after that.

"I see. I will sure to make a memorial wreath, it is the least I can do for him." She said back, giving him a small smile and touching Hiccups hand, which was still holding her arm. He released his grip and smiled back. "Thank you, that would be nice." Hiccup replied back, unsure of where to go now.

The sound of a foot step and a wooden peg was heard behind them. Turning around he saw Gobber walking towards them.

"What is it Gobber?"

"Hiccup, Gothi needs ye in the village center. It's time."

Hiccup nodded back. "Time? Time for what Hiccup?" Elsa asked confused.

"My coronation." He smiled down at Elsa and held out his arm for her to hold onto. A gesture she accepted, they walked arm in arm up the ramp till they were surrounded by the villagers, dragons and the Guards. Some tried to get a better view by standing on their tip toes or on a piece of debris. One or two even took to the air on their dragons to get a good vantage point.

Gothi was near a pile of charred blackened wood, she motioned for Hiccup to kneel. He took a deep breath and did so, he peered over his shoulder and saw that Elsa was giving him a reassuring smile. Casting his eyes forward he saw that Gothi had taken some soot onto her thumb and rubbed it into her finger then looked toward him. She then drew her thumb across his forehead and cast the crest of Berk on his forehead. After she was finished, she bowed towards him, it was complete.

Standing back up, he cast a gaze towards Gobber and gave a small smile.

"The Chief has returned!" He announced to all that could hear.

Applause and cheers were heard from not only his own Vikings but Elsa's guards and sailors as well. Elsa herself was clapping and giving him a beautiful smile.

"Long Live the Chief, Long Live the Chief!" Was yelled again and again till the dragons themselves joined in on the celebration with a flaming salute followed by a star burst in the sky.

As he turned around he moved towards Elsa who curtsied out of respect. "It seems I got coroneted first, minus the crown of course. Would you like to…" He said then drifted off as he saw some ships on the horizon sailing towards Berk.

Captain Birger noticed this too, "it seems to be the armada we saw earlier this morning. Should we go out and greet them?" He asked as he strapped his hat on tighter ready for another fight.

"No, there has been enough bloodshed for one day. Hopefully I can get them to disperse and leave without causing a fight." He turned around and peered at his friends.

"Dragon Riders follow me!" He yelled as he ran to get on Toothless.

His friends ran to and got on their respective dragons unaware of what was going on but listened to their chief nonetheless.

Out of the corner of his eye he spotted Drago's left prosthetic arm that had been blasted off during the battle. "Eret! Bring that with us!" He then pointed to the arm laying near a pile of ice. Eret nodded, retrieved the arm then secured it to Skullcrusher.

He turned back to look at Elsa who stood near Toothless looking at him in fear of leaving her again. "Don't worry Elsa. I will only be a few minutes."

Toothless took off into the clouds followed closely by his friends.

The dragon riders flew in a loose "V" formation until they were in range of the armada. Hiccup aimed for capital ship at the front. "Okay bud, were not here to start a fight. Nice and easy."

The lead ships of the armada pointed their catapults, ballistae and archers at the dragon riders.

In response Hiccup threw up his hands in mock surrender.

"We mean no harm; we wish only for peace. Who is your second in command?" He yelled as the group hovered above the deck of the ship. His friends looked at the archers and other Vikings with suspicion and alarm, ready to defend Hiccup at a moment's notice.

"I am Ganis of the Silent Isles, I'm in charge of this armada until Drago returns and lays claim to yer island. Best just give up now young lad." The old man laughed at the young Viking. He was a tall older man with a full golden beard and plenty of scars on his face from years of battles.

Hiccup let the insult and demand slide off, he needed to make sure no more battles were fought today. "I am Chief Hiccup of the Hooligan Tribe and that is Berk, my island. I am asking you leave now under a banner of truce and never come back unless you come to trade in peace. Today has seen enough bloodshed on both sides. I am asking you to turn around and go home." Hiccup voiced to the men who looked at one another and laughed.

"Boy, when Drago gets back he will burn yer island to the ocean and take all yer dragons and make them his. If you surrender I can assure you that yer friends will live and only you will die, you have my word." Ganis said then slammed his fist to his chest as a show of promise.

"I'm sorry but I must decline because Drago and his Bewilderbeast have been defeated and you're looking at the new alpha dragon." He voiced as he rubbed Toothless' head.

The older Vikings looked at each other in shock and disbelief.

"Impossible. Drago cannot be defeated, yer lying!" He shouted back and made a swiping motion with his hand in obvious dismissal of such an idea.

Hiccup looked over his shoulder at Eret and nodded once.

Eret untied and threw the prosthetic arm onto the deck where it rolled loudly till it hit the commanders boot. Gasps were heard and the archers drew forward their arrows on their bows, releasing the tension safely. They turned around and knew what the arm meant. Their leader would never have taken off his arm and allowed it to be captured by the enemy unless…

"And if you look closely at my island you will not only see a tusk of the Bewilderbeast, but also the dragons that you all captured, flying freely in the sky. Drago no longer has control over other dragons, only Toothless does now." Said dragon let out a defining roar, a few seconds later one could see dozens upon dozens of dragons flying from Berk over to the armada. The men on the other ships drew back in fear, they were now outnumbered by the fire breathing beasts who were circling above like death itself.

"You are free from Drago's grip. Go back to your families, to your homes. You will never get a better chance than what I am giving you right now. I want to live on my island in peace and so do my friends, I am asking you to turn around and disband!" He said and looked for an answer.

After a few moments rumblings were heard from groups of men, the idea of family and home could make any man second guess his purpose on the sea or in an army. Soon those groups of men were making their voices heard demanding to go home, entire ships were yelling to make their commander listen to their pleas.

Apparently Drago did not have the loyal army he thought he had.

"Quiet!" Their commander shouted.

Taking a step over the prosthetic arm and looking at the young Viking he raised his hand in order make an agreement.

Hiccup ordered Toothless to land, which he did. Hiccup slipped off his dragon and moved forward flanked by Eret and Ruffnut. Everyone else continued to hover above.

"Under yer promise of a truce, I accept yer conditions. I will order my ships to turn around, where we will disband and …"

"No! You will not let this child ruin our best chance to rule over the archipelago. We have the numbers and the ships, we must carry on in Drago's absence!" A junior officer interrupted his commander to speak his mind. Behind him several more men moved to his side, as Hiccup looked around it seemed like there was a small but loud fanatical group who did not want to leave. The group was outnumbered but paid no attention to their disadvantage.

"Cynric, ye will listen to me and cool yer tongue or I will cut it out." Ganis commented back, slightly agitated.

"You're a fool to trust this boy Ganis. Give him time and he will be sweeping across the isles and take them all for his amusement! I…" Cynric was about to continue but was cut down by Ganis' sword. The sound of liquid hitting the deck and splattering on sails was heard by all.

Ganis lightly rubbed his sword on his clothed arm to remove the fresh blood. He then swung the sword again near Cynric's allies, "anyone else want to say anything about not wanting to go home?" Several of the men gulped while others moved away from the group till only a few remained. "Lout, take Cynric and hoist him up for the others to see. No one will disrespect my command again." A rather short yet muscular man moved forward and proceeded to tie a rope around Cynric's now bluish white leg. After a moment all of Drago's fleet could see what would happen if they spoke out against their commander.

Ganis moved back to Hiccup and his friends. "Sorry about that, some of these men should know their place."

Hiccup was a little put off by the sudden killing of a man, but did not show it. He didn't want to show weakness so early in his reign and in front of so many. Best put on a neutral face and just accept it. He would have to deal with more like him than not. He just hoped he could do right by his people.

Ganis once again put out his hand and silently looked around for anyone to make another comment, no one dared to speak up.

Hiccup shook hands with Ganis and his lieutenants. "Go in peace," Hiccup said to the older man, "and you." He replied back.

"Alright lads, let's go home." Ganis said to his men, cheers were heard from the armada.

Hiccup, Eret and Ruffnut returned to the dragons where they took off and flew back to Berk followed by the other riders. He looked back to see the ships making a U-turn away from Berk and into the open ocean.

"Good job Hiccup, you have won yourself two major victories and its only your first day as chief." Eret yelled towards him over the wind. Hiccup looked back at the man and smiled. Though Hiccup was not smiling on the inside, having witnessed a man being cut down weighed heavily on him. He would not tell Elsa about that part.

"That I did, that I did." He said softly to himself.

A few moments later the group landed back where they had taken off nearly an hour ago.

"Sorry about that Elsa, it was longer than just a moment." Hiccup said as he jumped off of Toothless and moved over to his love. "No worries, I presume they left on good terms?" Elsa asked.

"Yes, Drago's Army has said they will leave in peace and then will disband. They are going back to their families and homes!" He shouted to his fellow Vikings who cheered in response.

"To Chief Hiccup, Oorah!" The Vikings voiced three times before looking to their Chief for orders.

"Right, Princess Elsa will you join me for a tour of my village?" He asked as he offered her his arm. She responded with a smile and a nod as she looped her hand through and grasped onto his arm. The villagers moved to the side as their new chief made his toward his home.

"Do you think you can spare a few guards to help with the reconstruction?" He asked as he looked up at the dragon hangar that was now teetering on the cliff side.

"Yes, one moment." She said as they came to a stop. She looked back and addressed Captain Birger who was dutifully following behind them a few paces back.

"Captain have your men stand down from their duties, change into work attire and assist Hiccups villagers in rebuilding their homes." She announced in her most regal sounding voice. "Yes your highness, as you wish." Birger responded and turned around to address his men who went back to the ship to change into their expendable clothing. Hiccup turned toward his second-in-command, Gobber.

"Gobber once the guards are done changing assign them to different areas to help with clean up." Hiccup said to his master forger.

"Right Chief." Gobber said as he winked and went back toward his forge.

"Okay everyone, let's get started rebuilding our home!" He shouted to everyone around him.

Cheers were heard as far back as the mouth to the harbor. Everyone split up and moved toward the area they wanted to start working. Hiccup and Elsa followed behind making conversation before he had to leave her at his home, stating he wanted to coordinate the cleanup project with his friends. Elsa went inside to rest and take in everything that had happened.


As Elsa watched the cleanup of Berk she had noticed a new monument that had been chipped out of the mountainside. A fifty-meter-tall Stoick was slowly coming to completion, the ice was mostly gone except for a few large pieces here and there. Hiccup was working tirelessly to make sure Berk was secure and safe. Even though Drago's Army had disbanded peacefully that did not include the other warring tribes. He had wanted to be sure Berk could defend itself from them in case they came a knocking. Hiccup knew that the best time to attack a kingdom was when new leadership came to power. Most of the time the men did not know their leader well enough or the leader himself was without experience.

A Dragon Race was scheduled to take place in honor of her birthday in a few minutes and she was to attend it with Valka and Hiccup. She was currently walking down the hill towards center of the village to meet Hiccup.

"Good morning Princess Elsa, how are ye this fine morning?" Gobber asked as he came out of his forge.

"I am well, though I was saddened that Snoggletog festivities were cancelled." Elsa voiced as she clasped her hands in front of her and moved toward the tall, partially rebuilt tree of burnt shields.

Gobber nodded his head, "well it is hard to celebrate when all of the decorations are either damaged or destroyed. The food was good though. And don't worry, this race will raise morale in the village." Gobber said as he moved a shield to make it stand out more.

"I do hope so, I have never see a dragon race before and hope it will be exciting."

Gobber nodded once and moved closer to the young princess.

"It is, and from what Hiccup has told me, he has a surprise for yer." Gobber said in a low voice.

Elsa remembered what the surprise might be, "truly? What is it?" Elsa asked playing innocence.

"What is what, Elsa?" Hiccup asked as he came from a nearby house.

Elsa was given a start, and whirled around to look at Hiccup. There were bags under his eyes and he looked very tired. "Has he slept at all?" Elsa thought silently.

"Princess Elsa asked me where is the best place to sit to get the best view of the race, Chief." Gobber lied easily, having years of experience from talking to his former chief.

Too tired to see the lie, Hiccup answered quickly. "You need not worry about that, you will be sitting with me near my throne at the center of the stands." Hiccup replied back. "But first, I need to talk to my mom, she said there was something important she needed to tell me. Gobber will show you to your seat." He said then took her gloved hand and kissed it. After letting go he turned around and walked tiredly toward his home to see his mother.

"I wonder if its dragon related?" She voiced quietly then turned towards Gobber who was walking slowly toward the arena.

After an hour Hiccup had seated himself and declared the race to begin, though something was off she had noticed. Hiccup didn't look happy, he looked agitated. Had his mother told him something that got him mad? She did not know, but would surly ask him about it after the race.

As Astrid threw the black sheep into her net the crowd roared in approval. The game was over, Astrid and Fishlegs were declared the winners. They all landed on the platform and bowed towards the crowds.

"A job well done dragon riders. I am so proud of you all. And now for a surprise!" He announced to the riders and those that could hear in the stands. Astrid and her friends looked at one another wondering what the surprise would be.

"After much thought I have decided to form my own council, when your name is called line up on the platform. The five of you can stay where you are." Hiccup said to his friends who were still confused about the entire thing.

"Bucket, Mulch, Eret and Gobber take your place on the platform." One by one they came down and stood shoulder to shoulder with one another.

Looking at them all, Hiccup clutched a bag at his side, brought it up and untied the knot securing the contents. "I made these rings yesterday and they are to show your title and status among your fellow Vikings."

Looking up at Eret he held the ring above Eret's hand waiting for him to take it. He held out his palm and Hiccup placed the silver ring embroidered with the crest of Berk on it onto Eret's palm. "With this ring I give you the title of Emissary of Berk, you will represent Berk when you travel across the seas in search of other tribes and kingdoms to make peace or to set up trade with. Do you accept this title?" Hiccup asked looking his new friend in the eye.

"I do, and thank you Chief Hiccup for this honor." Eret said then bowed his head. He carefully placed the ring on his right index finger and cast a gaze upon it. Eret had found a new home and given him a purpose in life. No more dragon trapping for him for which he was glad for.

Moving down to look at Fishlegs, the big man was a little giddy at what his new title and ring would be and look like. "Fishlegs, you have been the one person on Berk who has always treated me as your friend. I bestow the title of Bookkeeper upon you. You will be responsible for the recording of financial transactions for our economy and any and all transactions that includes Berk whether it be with other tribes or kingdoms. Do you accept this title?"

"Yes and thank Hiccup, I will make you proud." Fishlegs voiced happily as he was given his ring and slipped it onto his large finger.

Astrid smiled at Hiccup as he looked at her, she would be receiving a ring from him, it may not have been an engagement ring, but it was a start… she hoped. "Astrid you are by far one of the best up and coming Vikings we have on Berk and that will be needed in our future. Which is why I am making you head teacher of the Dragon Academy and instructor for all combat related courses." Her eyes widened at the thought of teaching all future Vikings, it was a major responsibility and their future as a tribe rested on whether she could make children into tough and formidable Vikings. "Thank you Hiccup; I won't let you down." She voiced then hit him on his arm. That was something he allowed, it was only between them and it was better than her trying to kiss him which he had managed to avoid as of late.

"Snotlout, you are pain in the ass and tough to ignore, but you do not give up or in, which is why you will be in charge of the fleet once the ships are repaired. Much will rely on you when we expand outwards and protection of our territory is needed." He placed the ring on his hand and nodded on toward his cousin.

"Of course I'm the commander of your fleet, I mean I am the best looking and the only one capable of such a job." Snotlout said as he inflated his ego.

Elsa who had been sitting in her seat next to Hiccup's throne was rather confused at the moment. "Wait a second. Did he say expand outwards? Does Hiccup have a desire to claim new islands or territory? I will need to ask about this later." As she came out of her thoughts she saw that she had missed the giving of rings to Gobber, Mulch and Bucket. Though thankfully she listened to the men around her and caught on to what they were telling one another. After a moment of listening she had learned that Gobber had become Hiccup's personal advisor, no surprise there and Bucket and Mulch were placed in charge of agriculture which was a major responsibility for the island. She hoped in time trade for Berk could rise to where they would be able to taste new foods or afford more and better equipment than what they were accustomed too. Arendelle could fit that role perfectly if she had her way.

"And last but not least Ruffnut and Tuffnut. You two will have vastly different roles and I hope you will be able to adjust to them." He said as he looked at the two twins.

"Don't worry Hiccup, we can adjust to anything, just give us time and we'll do it right." Tuffnut said before he conked his helmet against his sisters. "Yeah" she said in approval conking right back.

"Right, then Tuffnut you will be in charge of home defense and the creation of new weapons. And you Ruffnut will be my personal guard." As he spoke the last word Elsa raised an eyebrow. "Ruffnut? She will be his bodyguard? This relatively lanky woman is supposed to protect my future husband from harm, is Hiccup serious?" Elsa thought for a moment.

Ruffnut was just as flabbergasted as everyone else apparently. "Oh, umm thank you Hiccup. I promise to do my best to watch over you." She said and accepted the ring to which she put on, made a fist and punched her brother in the shoulder. "Oww! What was that for?" Tuffnut asked rubbing his shoulder.

"Just seeing if it would break."

Hiccup moved back to his throne and addressed his fellow Vikings. "I present to you my council; may the Gods bring Berk great fortune!" The group raised their hands and waved at the crowd who roared in approval and cheered at the promise of a better tomorrow.

"I hereby pronounce that a grand dinner take place tonight to honor our new council and to celebrate Elsa's birth. Let's start the preparations!" He yelled over the cheers.

Soon everyone filtered out of the stadium and moved to prepare for the festivities. His council members went to their respected areas to create a better Berk. Hiccup and Elsa were followed closely behind by their respective guards; Ruffnut who was asking Birger questions about what her new role would encompass and Birger was trying to watch for any danger while simultaneously answering the young woman's question as quickly as he could.

"I have a surprise for you Elsa, consider it my birthday present to you." Hiccup said as he took a different route, one that led to the middle of the island that overlooked a rolling hill and a flowing stream. "It's beautiful." She thought as she saw a two story newly built house, one with a large porch, yard and slanted roof.

Crossing over the stream via a small foot bridge and stepping onto a new stone foot path, she was able to see that the home was about ninety percent complete. A little more work and it would be complete, it just needed personal furnishings.

"You two stay here, I wish to show the house to Elsa alone." Elsa nodded towards Birger who then moved towards standing near the front door with Ruffnut following.

Pushing the door open revealed hand carved support pillars and an open downstairs with a staircase to the upstairs built into the left side wall. On the right side was a fireplace with a stone chimney, the oak floor creaked softly as she moved over it to touch the smooth pillars. "I took some ideas from Arendelle and applied them to your house on Berk."

Elsa turned around at that mention of whose house it was. "My house?"

Hiccup gave a small smile, "well of course. You can't live forever in that small house in the center of the village, I know you would want something more private, so I started building this house a few months ago and chipped into it when I could."

Her eyes widened at the thought of having her own home on Berk. She automatically assumed she would just live in Hiccups house when they married. But this was nicer and more her style; reserved and out of the way.

Moving further into the home she saw a small kitchen with a water pump and metal sink, there was a flame pit and pots and pans nearby hanging on the wall. "Now the water pump was tough to create, but I was able to build a system of aqueducts that will feed water from the nearby stream. And the bathroom which is in the room next to the kitchen has a tub to take baths in, but someone will need to light a fire underneath it to heat the water." Elsa rose a perfect eyebrow at the thought of being in basically a boiling pot of water.

Hiccup saw her stare, "I know, I know. But don't worry, I tried out the concept and it works, I even added a cushion to the bottom so you don't burn your bottom." He gave a chuckle at the small attempt at humor. Elsa just continued to stare at him, eyebrow still raised. "Right, moving on."

Hiccup pointed out the dining table, seats, and other basic necessities before slowly climbing the stairs that led to the second floor. Moving down the long hallway she made out a storage room, two bedrooms and at the very end the master bedroom. She gulped a little at the thought of what their future would be like in that room.

"There was one area that I did not show you and that was the overhang at the rear of your home, which is where your dragon will sleep." He voiced as he put his hand on the master bedroom door.

"My dragon?" She said stopping in the middle of the hallway.

Hiccup turned around a gave her a small tilted look. "Well, yeah. I fully expect you to pick a dragon, once one calls to you or you find one."

"Hiccup, don't you remember the last time I was on a dragon?" Elsa raised her voice at her concerns of freezing her dragon or crashing to the ground…again.

Hiccup looked at her and smiled, "Elsa, I have complete confidence that one day you will master your fears enough to fly on a dragon and sense the one feeling you have been missing."

"And that is?" She whispered moving to just beside the main door with her beau.

"Freedom, obviously."

He pushed open the door to reveal a large soft looking square bed pushed against the far wall, which was situated between two windows looking out onto the village and ocean further on. To her right she saw an open door leading to a balcony which she believed was the overhang to where her dragon would sleep.

Looking back, she saw a private water closet complete with a mirror which was rare for Berk. Against the walls were various dressers, storage chests and in the corner was a mahogany desk with quills, ink and paper. Brushing her hand against the bed which looked massive and thick in size. "Where did you get such a large bed?" Elsa asked as she sat down and felt how soft it was, the furs were that of wolves and perhaps a bear too.

"The furs, sheets and pillows we got through trading with Johann and I made the bed myself. I traded some dragon scales for an instruction book on making furnishings, I believe it originated in France. Long story short, it took several tries and a few weeks to create what you are laying on. Well… what do you think?"

Moving off the bed and closing the distance between her and Hiccup she placed her gloved hands in his.

"It is overwhelming; this is the best gift I have ever received. Thank you for the show, the house and the love." Elsa moved to kiss Hiccup, but at the last second he pulled away and closed the door behind them; sealing them inside.

Hiccup rested his head against the door contemplating his next actions.

"Hiccup? What is wrong?" Sensing that Hiccup was hiding something from her, she moved forward to confront him about her feeling.

"Remember what we promised about no more secrets." That caused a reaction she was not expecting.

A second later she found herself on the floor with her left cheek burning and looked up at Hiccup with blurry vision. "Hiccup what was the meaning of that." She asked in shock. Hiccup looked down at her, fists clenched.

"You promised no more secrets and I asked nearly five years ago on this very island if there were any secrets that I should know about and you said no!" Hiccup shouted at Elsa, "my mother asked if we were married or engaged yet, due to the marriage contract. And I asked her what contract, then she told me everything." Moving around the room to one of the dressers he rested his hands against it and gripped one of the knobs to a drawer nearly causing it to crack under the strain.

"You lied to me Elsa, for over five years. You lied to me! You promised there were no secrets and the entire time, you were lying to me!" Hiccup screamed at her, mad at the situation she had put him in. Looking at Elsa who had moved to stand against the bed in support.

"I must ask but do you love me for me or just because there was no one else to fall in love with, I mean if we had met by a chance encounter would you have developed the same feelings?" Hiccup asked with heated breath.

"I…I honestly don't know, but that doesn't change my feelings for you right now. I'm in love with you and no one else. I developed feelings for you before I was even told about the contract binding us together."

Turning back around to look at her, he pressed his hand to his head to wipe away the sweat that had collected on his forehead.

"But would that change if you held your coronation tomorrow and there were princes or lords there with their sons, can you honestly say that you wouldn't feel any inclination toward any of them?" He asked with waited anticipation. "I don't know; I honestly don't know if I would have any feelings toward any of them. But you love me Hiccup and that all that matters." Elsa replied back, now sitting on the bed.

"Yes, I love you, but I chose you believing I had a real choice in the matter. I had two beautiful women that were interested in me, you and Astrid. You had expressed interest in me; in me of all people and I believed that if I chose that woman, that me and her would live happily ever after. I mean what would have happened if I had chosen Astrid?" He asked pacing back and forth between the bed and the water closet.

"Hmm, what then? Would you had allowed it simply because you knew that my father would have broken us up and sent me your way, or would you have called me out on my decision and told me then that we were meant to be together? What would you have done?" Hiccup asked with venom laced in his voice.

Elsa didn't know what to say, no matter how she answered it seemed like there was no right answer. "It doesn't matter what I would have chosen because it didn't come to that. We are here now, we love each other and we each made the right choice in life involving one another." She said as she moved her closer to Hiccup, hoping she had gotten thru to him. He pulled away.

"The right choice." He chuckled cynically at the idea. "You lied to me. You lied to me for five years, hell even longer than that. Ever since you learned about the contract and refused to tell me. A relationship is about trust and you couldn't even do that right." Elsa moved to talk but was cut off before the words were even in her throat.

"You, my family, your family have been lying to me, ever since I was born. I really had no say in anything. It was all an allusion to make it seem like I was in charge of my own destiny and our relationship. I truly believed that you, the most beautiful woman on earth chose me, a Hiccup, a runt of all people. But no, you didn't choose me, your parents did. And thus you had to love me."

Hiccup laughed at how he believed in an allusion all along. "I can't look at you, I…I can't be near you right now." He said as he moved to open the door and closed it behind him. Elsa collapsed back down to the bed and started to cry.

"It's all my fault. Do...Do I truly deserve him?" She asked moving deeper onto the soft bed.


Pushing the front door open with a burst of energy, it slamming against the front side of the wall and alarming the two people near it. "What the?" Ruffnut and Birger asked in bewilderment.

Hiccup jumped down the two steps onto the stone path moving towards the back of the island, Ruffnut moving to follow behind.

"Don't follow me Ruff, I need some time alone."

Ruffnut stopped in her tracks and looked back at Birger who turned to go into the house to look for his charge out of concern.

Ruffnut stood on the stone path worried about the future of Hiccup, worried that his future was doomed before it even truly started. Doing what she did best, she ignored her friend's orders and followed him at a distance. She didn't want to lose another chief so soon.


Running down a well-worn path passed a massive smooth rock and a broken tree, Hiccup moved down the chasm to where he had kept Toothless when dragons were still being hunted.

The heavens had started to open bringing a light rain to the island. Slipping on some mud near the small pond he came to rest near the opposing wall. Dropping to his knees to try and gain control over his emotions, Hiccup breathed heavily looking at his reflection in a small puddle.

"It's my fault, it's all my fault. I'm the reason my father is dead. If I hadn't been so stupid to think that kind of man could be reasoned with, a mad man." He said as he slammed his hand down into the cool mud, water droplets flying into the air before settling down once more.

"My dream of having humans and dragons together got my father killed. I didn't want to be chief so soon, but my actions led me to becoming the very thing that I tried to put off for so long." Hiccup gave a slight chuckle at the irony.

The rain droplets hit harder now as he realized his mistakes; mistakes that led to losing the one person he wanted to impress the most. He hadn't been able to impress his father when he was busy fighting dragons but during the five years of peace, they had slowly become closer. But now that was over and it was all because of him. His stupid naivety led his father to his death, nearly caused him to lose the love of his life and everyone else on Berk. "Stupid. Stupid."

"Ahhhhh!" He yelled standing up and yelling towards the heavens.

"Why?! Why him? Why not me, it was my fault all along. Why not take me, I went against nature and tamed a dragon! I proved you all wrong! I proved that even a hiccup can be just as good as everyone else!" Hiccup screamed at the Gods and their judgement.

"You're the cowards! You do nothing but judge we insignificant humans, why not come down and face me!" He yelled pounding his chest in a challenge to the Gods.

"Face me and give me back my father, he did nothing wrong. He deserves to be with his wife, his people and me especially! Give him back!" Hey screamed standing up straighter, pointing his head toward the sky.

He ripped his shoulder pads and armor off piece by piece till he was in nothing but his tunic and pants. Opening his arms up and ready to accept whatever challenge came, "take me!" Looking up at the heavens, water cascaded down his face onto his body soaking him. Nothing ever came, no challenge or threat, just more rain.

"Why must I always lose something to gain something?" He whispered as he finally succumbed to his fatigue and fell forward slightly before catching himself with his hands. He now leaned over the same stupid puddle, looking at his reflection which was still staring cruelly back at him.

"I lost my leg to gain Elsa, I lost my father to become chief, will I have to lose something else to marry Elsa?" He thought as he watched a tear slide down and off his face before it plopped into the puddle causing a ripple. Letting himself go, he allowed himself to cry, which he hadn't done in so long.


Looking from a far Elsa watched Hiccup's actions, he was now crying in the rain. "He's going to catch a cold if he continues this." Moving forward a little she stopped, realizing something. "He was holding in his emotions fearful that he would be seen as weak, mercy he had every right to be angry. I lied to him for so long, I knew the truth, he didn't and still believed it would all work out in the end peacefully. How could I be so blind?" She asked the trees around her. Hearing a twig snap she looked over her shoulder to see Ruffnut coming to her side, with Birger leaning against a tree some ways away to give the two some privacy.

"You're not blind, your highness. Your just in love." Elsa looked at her curiously. "What? I can be smart too. I just choose not be, it's not as fun." Pressing on Ruffnut decided to give her chief a helping hand. "You were so in love with Hiccup that you believed everything would fall into place without your interaction, but the thing is that some things need a human touch to be completed. Not by others but by you. You need to go to Hiccup and tell him you still love him, that after everything you still want to marry him." Ruffnut said softly as she looked at Elsa fully.

She couldn't believe it; she was having a woman to woman discussion with Ruffnut of all people.

"How long have you know?" Elsa asked stunned that she knew about the marriage situation.

Ruff flexed her shoulders at the questions. "A little while, I was snooping around Stoick's desk in his room and came across a letter. I almost rushed out to tell Hiccup, but I knew that it would eventually lead back to me and I knew my punishment would have been severe. I may be a good thief and an amazing liar, but even I can't lie good enough to trick Stoick the Vast."

Ruffnut said as she put her hand on the tree to lean over the edge to see her friend and chief crying into a puddle.

"So I put the letter back and kept my mouth shut, I even tried to keep Astrid away from Hiccup a few times. She is the only one who is truly blind. She just can't accept the fact that Hiccup chose you over her. You will have to watch out for her in the future. I'll do what I can." Taking a breath for a moment before continuing on.

"I guess that is why Hiccup chose me over Astrid to be his personal guard. Because he knew how it would make you feel having her so close to him all the time. He is the smartest of us all, and I promise to do whatever it takes to keep him safe. You have my word on that." Ruffnut said as she bowed in respect toward her future Chiefess.

Elsa felt a range of emotions ranging from joy to relief to one she couldn't identify, she felt like crying at the dedication this Viking had toward her and Hiccup. She was truly blessed to have such good people in her life. "Thank you Ruffnut, for everything you have done and will continue to do for Hiccup. I will remember your name, perhaps we will even become friends one day. Now if you will excuse me, I need to talk to Hiccup."

Elsa moved passed Ruffnut down the chasm where she stepped lightly onto the ground. With every step she became wetter and wetter; at least in the forest the trees had allowed some protection but in the cove there was no protective screen. She wrapped her cape around her, her only protection now. Soon she was upon Hiccup as he was still kneeling on the ground over that little puddle.

Moving down Elsa wrapped her arms around Hiccups torso and hugged him to her, disregarding the fact that he was partially covered in water and mud. Gerda would not be pleased once she saw the state of her dress, but that was for later.

Hiccup felt Elsa pull him in for a hug, which he readily returned. He just too tired to push her away and he needed for warmth to ward off this cold.

They stayed like that for a while, Hiccup crying onto Elsa's shoulder and Elsa herself trying to use her cape as a blanket for the two of them, it kind of worked.

Finally, after much silence Hiccup spoke. "I wish I had learned more about him, I wish I spent more time with him, I wish I showed him more love and understanding. I wish for so many things." Elsa just nodded at this, she had wished for the very same things when her parents were taken from her too early.

"Do you believe Stoick didn't tell you because he thought you would have hated him?" Hiccup sighed and took his head off her shoulder to look at her fully.

"Most likely. I probably would have flown off and not returned for a week or two. I believed he didn't tell me because he had prearranged so much of my life already and one more thing would have scared me or caused me to rebel." He said then looked at the cove around them before settling back on Elsa.

"I mean just look at us, two people who would have never met without the contract are arranged to marry and rule two separate entities. So much of our lives have been arranged without our consents: we have been arranged to become basically royalty, to become a Chief or a Queen, to rule a village or a kingdom and my father probably believed that if he told me one more thing concerning my prearranged life, I would have run away." He hung his head in shame and the thought of running away from his fears and life.

"But you would have returned to my side, right?" Elsa asked hesitantly fearful that he would actually want to run away.

"Yes, and… and I am sorry about hitting you, I was just angry that you lied to me and everything with my dad dying and all; but there is really no excuse at all for such a spontaneous action."

"I forgive you Hiccup and it is understandable considering what you went through recently. I hope this made everything easier for our future together."

"It has, which makes these next nine words so much meaningful. I love you and will you marry me Elsa?" Hiccup held Elsa's left hand up and looked at her hopingly.

Stunned at the fact that he was actually asking her. "You know you don't have to ask me that, right?"

"I know, but I just want to be romantic." Hiccup looked at her with an expectant face.

Sighing at the hopeful face Hiccup was giving her, she let her inner desires come to the surface.

"Yes, of course I will marry you Hiccup." Hiccup leaned forward and captured her lips with his own.

He pulled back from the kiss long enough to bring out the small silver ring, he slowly dragged her green glove off and placed the ring around her ring finger, "this is a promise that I will make you a newer, better ring and marry you. I hope in the near future."

Elsa looked down at the small silver ring and felt so relieved that the two were officially together as fiancés. She slowly put her glove back on to see that it fitted snugly around her now ringed finger.

"Indeed, it will have to be after my coronation. Maybe we can announce at the coronation, and then marry a little while after all the headaches of being Queen are gone, which will give you time to adjust to being a Chief."

"Your coronation is in July, are you ready?" Hiccup asked as he stood up, pulling Elsa up with him.
"A little nervous but you will be there and will not let anything happen to me, correct?"

"Of course Elsa. Come on we need to go back to the village. Oh and happy birthday."

"Thank you, and this has been the best birthday present I've ever had." She said as she kissed him on the cheek.

The two moved out of the cove and were flanked immediately by Ruffnut and Birger who smiled at the young couple. Elsa nodded towards Ruffnut in thanks; who nodded right back.

Elsa looked up to see that the rain had stopped, but the four of them were still soaked. Hiccup had managed to put his armor back on, minus the pads and extra pieces.

She also noticed that most of Berk's citizens had gathered at the center of the village to see the two coming out of the forest together. Some were still working on the roofs of the buildings, but they mostly wanted to know what the two had been doing in said forest.

Stopping just a few meters away from the large crowd, Hiccup addressed his people.

"I have asked Princess Elsa for her hand in marriage, and she has accepted. We marry in three years' time; I present you your future Chiefess! Princess Elsa Andersen of Arendelle!" Hiccup shouted with joy.

The crowd, Elsa's guards, everyone cheered and clapped at the news. The dragons especially Toothless roared in approval, with the latter moving to nudge Elsa in acceptance. "See Elsa" Hiccup whispered, "everyone loves us." He said then smiled at her then looked out upon Berk.

Elsa too looked at everyone to see smiles until that is she looked at Astrid who was giving a deathly glare at the two of them. "All but one." She whispered then turned to look at Hiccup, wanting to forget Astrid for this day was hers and she wouldn't let Astrid ruin it.

After having her birthday dinner and receiving her gifts which ranged from jugs of ale to hand carved furnishings to at least one small chest of gold. Once she bid her friends and guests goodnight she all but floated to her temporary home in the center of the village where she collapsed onto her soft bed and had the best night's sleep she had in years.


Waking up she went down to the docks and cast a memorial wreath into the ocean and gave a small speech stating how Stoick will never be forgotten, she has full confidence in Hiccup and once she becomes Queen, Arendelle and Berk will be closer than ever. Elsa felt that this was a trial run for her own coronation in seven months' time, and if it went as good as this then she has nothing to worry about.

She made her way alone up to the Great Hall having dismissed Birger to allow himself some free time with his men, which he immediately protested, but after ordering it she succeeded in gaining a few moments of peace. Finally making it to the top she was rewarded with a marvelous view of Berk, which was nearly restored to its former glory. She was supposed to receive a private tour with Gobber in three hours' time after she had filled herself with food and maybe gotten a quick nap in.

As she grasped the door handle a rough hand grabbed her, pulled her to the side and pressed her against the hard wall. Her blurry vision was restored to see that Snotlout was one who had pinned her against the stone wall. "Hey babe. Why don't you dump that useless hiccup and marry a real man like me?" He said as he breathed a little too heavily onto her.

Elsa could basically drink in the alcohol that wafted out of Snotlout's mouth. She nearly gagged as a result, Snotlout pressed himself against her then grabbed her wrists and pressed them firmly to the wall above her head.

"How about you release me and we will forget this ever happened?" Elsa responded as she tried to force herself away from Snotlout. She sensed her powers building inside her, ice began to form under her feet and they slowly moved toward the unaware Snotlout.

He smirked at the question, "oh that is a good idea, but no. Looks like I will have to force you to see it my way." He said then moved to kiss her but was flung back against a support pillar.

"Princess Elsa are you alright?" Birger asked as he moved in-between the two.

"Yes, and thank you. How did you know I was in trouble?" She asked rubbing her sore wrists, moving away from the wall.

Not taking his eyes off the crumbled Viking he spoke with his back to her, which was rude but under the circumstances she let it slide. "I had a gut feeling that you were in danger, I guess it was from all the years of protecting you that I couldn't follow your order to have some free time. I apologize for ignoring your command your highness." Birger said as he kicked Snotlout to see if he was awake.

Said Viking shot straight upwards and regained his posture. "Oh you're going to regret that old man." He said as he assumed a fighting position, fists clenched.

Birger drew his sword and moved into a defensive position. "I will defend Princess Elsa's honor at all costs, I request that you forfeit and leave in peace." Birger demanded, not moving from his place in front of Elsa.

Snotlout was about to retort but he heard the shuffling of feet and looked to see more guards surrounding them, some with irritated looks on their faces and others cracked their knuckles signaling they were willing to fight. Knowing he was in a lose-lose situation he walked away for a moment. "You better keep your mouth shut or else." Snotlout barked before heading inside for lunch.

"Shall we head back to your cabin to rest?" Birger asked as he sheathed his sword.

Not backing down, Elsa moved toward the doors. She didn't want Snotlout to taint this trip with just one display of roughness. She had experienced worse. "No, I am hungry and I know he won't try that again, come it is lunch time." Elsa advised as she pulled the massive door open with a little muscle. Birger and his guards followed without hesitation.

Hiccup drew his gaze to the opening of the door to see his fiancée walk inside, smiling he got up from his seat and walked down the aisles toward her table. Moving passed Snotlout who averted his gaze, he caught a scent that confused him. "Strange…I smell Elsa coming off of Snotlout. We wouldn't try something would he? No, he's not that stupid." He shook his head of the idea, and walked till he was standing at Elsa's table. All of her guards except for Birger were seated halfway down the table slowly eating their meats and stews, they occasionally cast a glance around as if they were on alert.

"Captain Birger, Elsa how are we today?"

Birger nodded once then went back to his stew; while Elsa slowly rubbed her wrist, "I'm fine just a little sore. I tripped on a rock and my wrist took the brunt of it."

"Oh, let me take a look. I will see to it that Gothi sees you as soon as possible." He responded as he placed his hand on her arm and drew down the glove to look at the bruise. Hiccup stopped at the realization of the shape of the bruise. "Elsa this is not a fall bruise; this looks like someone grabbed you. Who would dare har…" Then it clicked in his mind why Snotlout smelled like Elsa.

"Snotlout." He whispered with venom laced in his voice. Sensing what Hiccup was about to do, Elsa tried to stop him.

"Hiccup, he was drunk and Birger stopped him before anything happened, there is no need too… dammit." She said as Hiccup got up from the table and marched back towards his table where Snotlout was currently sitting with his now council members. Elsa stood up and tried to catch up but she was to slow. Hiccup stumbled a little from lack of sleep, he had managed only to get four hours of sleep during the night, from wanting to get everything organized to making sure no one attacked while they were still rebuilding.

Hiccup loomed behind the sitting Snotlout who was stuffing his face with ale and stew soaked breads. Feeling someone breathing on him he turned to see who it was but was rewarded with a fist to his cheek. He fell onto the ground and watched to see his chief squat over him and deliver blow upon blow to his head. Snotlout tried to shield himself but Hiccup caught his wrists and placed them above his head.

Soon the sounds of fist against skin was replaced by the sound of bones breaking and blood flying onto the floor.

Elsa ran over to see that Snotlout's face, nose and mouth bleeding profusely with Hiccup still delivering blow after blow, she heard Hiccups fist hit Snotlout's face and it sounded squishy.

"Hiccup stop it!" She screamed at him. He did not stop immediately; he gave two more hard punches before he finally stopped.

Standing up and breathing heavily over the unconscious, prone form of his naval commander, he looked out to see all eyes on him. Some had fear while others only gave a nod of understanding and respect towards their chief. He heard blood dripping and looked around to see where it was coming from.

Hiccup cast his gaze downward to see that it was coming from him, blood was slowly dripping off his hand, apparently he had cut his knuckles open on Snotlout's face.

"Elsa is my future wife and your future queen, you will respect her at all times! If you see anyone hurting her or insulting her honor, you will protect her. And no one is to touch her except for me! Is that understood?!" He bellowed out so everyone could hear. All the Vikings and anyone else in attendance nodded and stared in amazement that their little Hiccup had become a true Viking Chief. "Take him to Gothi's." He said pointing at Snotlout, as he merely stepped over him.

Stopping at Elsa, he smiled. "I think I will take a nap now; will you assist?" He asked quietly.

Elsa too numb by what she saw to think clearly just nodded and looped her hand around Hiccups arm to support his tired body.

The two walked silently down the hill and into Hiccup's home, Valka moved to help but was waved off by Elsa. They hobbled up the staircase where Hiccup collapsed onto the bed. She moved to take off his boot, prosthetic leg, and extra clothing. There was no shame between them, she was taking care of him and nothing more.

Valka brought up some warm water, bandages and gave a small smile to the young Elsa in understanding. Her time, though brief was done taking care of Hiccup, it was all up to the young future queen now.

Elsa wiped off the dried blood and wrapped his knuckles in bandages. She planted a kiss on his forehead before he drifted off to sleep. They knew they didn't need to say 'I love you', it was always there surrounding them like an invisible shield that kept their demons at bay. His fear of becoming chief too soon and her fear of losing control of her powers.

They knew as long as they were together they could accomplish anything. "I love you Hiccup and I promise to watch your back, no matter what happens, I will keep this promise." She whispered as she brought out a chair, sat on it and watched him sleep in peace. Soon the soft snores of two young royals filled the room, quietly Valka came up and placed a blanket around each to stave off the cold.

She was so proud they had worked it out, after all the fights, personal losses and arguments they were finally engaged. Valka gave her own promise that she would see to it that they wedded even if it cost her own life.

"They deserve happiness, and no matter what the worlds throws at them they will achieve it. I know that much is certain. I just wonder what the world will throw at them." She whispered as she drifted down the stairs to see Toothless sleeping near the fire. "Perhaps I too will take a nap." She chuckled as she moved into her and Stoick's old bedroom, before catching some much needed rest. Happy that she was finally reunited with her son and his future family.


Authors Notes: Well there you have it chapter thirteen, expect this to be the new time schedule for all future releases. So look for chapter fourteen by late August or early September. Drop a review if you have the chance, they really help to keep me writing and the constructive criticism and complements are always welcome. I hope everyone has a great summer, till next time I love you all and keep reading.